A new appointment will help continue the leading role Be plays as an innovator in community services in Queensland.

We are excited to share that Dr Amanda Clacy has joined the team in a newly created role of Community and Wellbeing Programs Architect.

Dr Clacy joins us from the Sunshine Coast Mind and Neuroscience Thompson Institute where she managed the Alliance for Suicide Prevention.

Be Innovator in Residence Michael Doneman, said “the new role will support Be’s health and wellness strategy to improve lives and help planning for the new $24 million Vitality Village health and wellness project in Birtinya, which opens next year.”

“Be is ready to flourish and tackle significant health and community challenges. Our team has the chance to think and do things differently to foster innovation and better outcomes for people. I welcome Amanda to our wonderful team at Be,” added Doneman.

Dr Clacy says she is delighted to join Be at a vital time. “Be has an incredible reputation for breaking down barriers to ensure their clients receive the best service and support – and that’s a mission that I wanted very much to join,” Clacy said.

“With my strong background in research and community mental health, I hope to build an evidence base for the services provided at Be, while also using this evidence to continue to grow and develop our community programs.

“My aim is to work collaboratively with people from across Be’s regions to design meaningful programs that support the wellbeing of our clients, volunteers, and staff.

“Through my experience in health research, science communication, and community engagement, I hope to ensure that our health and wellness initiatives are person-centred, evidence-driven, accessible, and inclusive.”

At Be we continue to roll out a range of innovative services, including the EMERALD program, a collaboration with the Thompson Institute. The EMERALD program runs for eight weeks to support clients regain control of their wellbeing through tele-health consultations with allied health professionals and a personal EMERALD coach.

During the COVID-19 period, Be has also produced a range of innovative responses to continue service delivery for clients, including the use of telehealth and virtual technology to ensure clients had connection and support.

We have also supported clients with ongoing services in different ways, including contactless delivery of shopping and other essential services so clients could live and feel well and be supported.

Mr Doneman, who believes his role an Innovator in Residence is arguably a first for the Sunshine Coast, says Be is ready to take a leading role in fostering innovative ideas despite the impact of COVID-19.

“While government will now make significant investments to improve health and wellbeing, I see some great alternatives to provide community-based solutions that are less of a drain on the long-term health budget.”

Dr Clacy will work on measuring the success of all programs, ensuring data is collected and deliver insights on show how programs are tracking and where future opportunities are for clients.

Share this story